Tarmac

Tarmac is dense, flexible and very hard-wearing. It copes well with the weight of cars turning on it, gives a smooth, even surface that is easy to sweep, and it is usually one of the more affordable ways to surface a large drive.

A fresh black finish also sets off almost any style of house, from a period semi to a new build, and a contrasting edge makes it look finished rather than functional.

As with any driveway, the part that decides how long it lasts is the part you never see. We dig out to the depth the ground needs, take the spoil away and lay a properly compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base.

Edgings go in first and are bedded in concrete, so the tarmac has something solid to finish against. The tarmac itself goes down hot in two layers — a thicker base course for strength, then a finer surface course for the finish — and each is rolled while it is still warm, so it compacts into a dense, even surface rather than a loose one.

The edge is what makes a tarmac drive look complete. We can finish with concrete kerbs, a contrasting block border, or granite setts for a more traditional look, and we set out the falls so water runs where it should rather than pooling by the front door.

Tarmac is not porous, so a new front driveway over five square metres that drains onto the road may need planning permission. It can usually be avoided by directing water into a border, a soakaway or a drainage channel on your own property. We will tell you honestly which applies to you before any work starts.

New tarmac takes a little while to fully harden. For the first few weeks — especially in hot weather — avoid turning your steering wheel while the car is standing still, and keep narrow stands, like those on motorbikes or trailers, off the surface.

After that it needs very little: an occasional sweep, and a wash down now and then to keep it looking dark and fresh.